Gas Leak at Coca-Cola Plant in McAllen; 6 firefighters sent to hospital

Authorities are investigating the cause of a gas leak in McAllen that forced evacuations and sent 17 people to the hospital. McAllen Fire Chief Roy Rubio tells us an ammonia leak started inside the compressor room of the Coca-Cola plant near the intersection of 23rd St and the west bound Frontage Rd of Expressway 83. Authorities say the leak was contained and a hazardous materials crew is investigating.

Chief Rubio says 11 people and 6 fire fighters were sent to the hospital. They had difficulty breathing and are at several medical centers around the Valley for observation.

All roads around the Coca-Cola plant including 23rd St and the Frontage Rd are open at this hour. Chief Rubio says several roads were closed while crews worked to contain the leak.

Just down the Frontage Rd from the plant, staff and patrons of the Zone Action Park were evacuated. Mike Nicol, a business partner with the Zone Action Park says authorities at first told everyone there to evacuate. Nicol says a firefighter then told everyone to stay inside.

Staff at the Zone Action Park turned off their air conditioning units. Nicol tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS this was part of their shut down procedure for chemical exposures. Nicol adds that the staff does train for this procedure because the Zone Action Park has a pool that is treated with chlorine and other chemicals.

While they waited inside the Zone, Nicol says staff handed out free pizzas and did their best to keep patrons calm. A fire fighter then ordered everyone at the Zone Action Park to evacuate for good. Nicol says no one who was at the Zone Action Park tonight was hurt.

Chief Rubio says they will continue to monitor the condition of their fire fighters and the other people hospitalized. McAllen crews will also continue investigating the cause of the ammonia leak at the Coca-Cola plant.
From KRGV News, Rio Grande Valley